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    Best Fuel-Efficient Cars Under $35,000

    High-scoring models that save at the pump

    2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE driving
    2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
    Photo: Toyota

    Even better than a car with great fuel economy is one that shines in Consumer Reports’ road tests, with strong predicted reliability, high owner satisfaction, and solid safety performance. In other words, a model that has a high Overall Score and miles per gallon for its class. We have curated 10 such cars priced under $35,000, which puts them far below the average price for a new car today.

    more on cars

    Measuring fuel economy is one of more than 50 tests we conduct on each car we purchase. Our fuel economy numbers are derived from a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon. CR’s overall mileage results are calculated based on equal portions of city and highway driving.

    This list starts with the most efficient car, and it doesn’t include plug-in vehicles. And yes, all of the featured cars are hybrids.

    Every car here is CR Recommended and achieved at least 33 mpg overall in our tests. We note if automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speeds, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are standard or optional.

    If you’re open to other vehicle types, there are some small SUVs (Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid) that get 35 mpg or better in our tests and come in just under $35,000 when nicely equipped.

    If you’re a CR member, the information and list of cars and SUVs recommended by CR in this article are already available to you. But if you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to click below and become a member to access this information and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each car we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


    Jon Linkov

    Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.

    Jeff S. Bartlett

    Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett